SUMMER 2026 REGISTRATION OPENS 2/1/2026!
What are Junior Lifeguard Tournaments?
The Junior Lifeguards compete within their groups/divisions in individual & team activities. They are optional and cost $30 each. These events are to encourage the JGs to use and improve their skills and gain confidence in the ocean. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie are stressed.
There are currently five Monmouth County (local tournaments) on the schedule. Registration occurs in two ways.
Pre-Registration ($30): completed at via RaceForum (registration below)!
If you miss the pre-registration deadline, day of registration is available.
Day of Registration / Late Registration ($35): completed the morning of the tournament.
Late Registration Begins at 8am
Credit Card Only
Monmouth County Tournaments start at 9am and end around 2pm
USLA Age Divisions:
C (9-11) *Mini Guards may compete up upon parents' approval*
B (12-13)
A (14-15)
We have many new Junior Guard families this year, so I wanted to give everyone a quick overview of what to expect.
Tournaments are completely optional, but they are one of the best parts of the Junior Guard experience! They give the kids an opportunity to compete, meet Junior Guards from other beach towns, and have a lot of fun.
The first event typically begins at 9:00 AM, but participants should plan to arrive around 8:00 AM. I will send detailed information before each tournament, and most event information can also be found on each registration link.
D Division (ages 6–8) is welcome to compete in the C Division, where they will race against 9-, 10-, and 11-year-olds. Belmar and Ocean Grove are the only tournaments that offer a separate D Division.
There is no set end time for tournaments. Depending on the number of participants and the pace of the host beach, they may finish around 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, etc.
Kids are welcome to participate in one event or as many events as they'd like—it's completely up to them!
Lunch is provided at each tournament (typically pizza or subs).
Parents are encouraged to stay and watch—it's a fun day at the beach! If you are not planning to stay, please make sure you have coordinated a pickup plan with another family or trusted adult, as end times can vary.
There is no Junior Guard practice on tournament days.
Tournament registrations are non-refundable. If you're unsure whether your child will be able to attend, you can simply wait and register up until the morning of the tournament using the registration link. The only downside to waiting is that registration fees may increase after the early registration deadline and a shirt may not be available.
FAQs about Tournaments
Tournaments, unlike practice, are an half-day event! They begin around 8am, and typically end around 2pm. Though it is highly variable.
Towel
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks
Lunch
Arrive wearing Junior Guard Bathing Suit and Black Shirt.
Spring Lake, Long Branch, Belmar and Manasquan Tournaments do not have a seperate 6-8 year old division. However, they are welcome to compete as "C" in the 9-11 year old group. This decision is made at the parents descretion.
Ocean Grove Tournament has a seperate mini division.